College Application Toolkit

Research indicates that while 70 percent of youth aging out of foster care desire to go to college (Courtney, Terao, & Bost, 2004), only about 20 percent of college-qualified foster youth enroll, compared to 60 percent of non-foster youth (Wolanin, 2005). Applying to college can feel overwhelming, and like there are so many details you'll never be able to do it all. This toolkit is meant to provide you with a road map and timeline of things that you can do to make it easier for you to go through the college admissions process! You will find a link to our comprehensive Financial Aid toolkit, which provides step-by-step instructions on how to receive the most financial aid support! Finally, the National Association for College Admissions Counselors (NACAC) has produced a comprehensive Guide to the College Admissions Process, that students and professionals can use throughout the admissions process.

It can be helpful to find a supportive adult to go through this process with you, such as a caseworker, high school counselor or teacher, foster parent, or other supportive adult. A good idea would be for the two of you to sit together and review this toolkit together! Other professionals who can be helpful in applying for college would be Education Planners and MYOI (Michigan Youth Opportunities Initiative) Coordinators, who have experience working directly with students in foster care.

Because students with experience in foster care are sometimes placed in different schools while having to re-adjust to new surroundings or care givers, they may experience difficulty with keeping up with school work. Help is available in schools! You can ask your high school counselor for assistance in being evaluated for additional services such as tutoring, and more time taking tests

The spring of your senior year you will receive a College Payment Authorization Form from Student Scholarships & Grants. Give a copy of this to the financial aid office of the college you are planning on attending so they know you have TIP. If you do not have this letter contact SSG.

Your donations help make a difference.

Fostering Success Michigan is a statewide initiative that aims to increase access and success in higher education and post-college careers for youth with experience in foster care. Learn how you can contribute to building a holistic network that insulates (i.e., strengthens protective factors and reduces risks) the education to career "pipeline."